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Bala Cynwyd was settled by Welsh Quakers in the 1680s. It is part of the western suburbs of Philadelphia called Main Line, named for the old main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Bala Cynwyd residents live in close proximity to the riding stables in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, as well as those in the countryside.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is Philadelphia’s 9,200-acre citywide park system, covering the entire city. Although you cannot rent a horse in the park, you can ride if you board your horse in one of several equestrian centers spread throughout the park. Riding trails crisscross the park. The Wissahickon Creek valley toward the southwest of the park has hide ridges and trails that will challenge both novices and experienced riders. The east and west side of the Schuylkill River offer different riding experiences; East Park riders share the path with strollers, while the West Park features backcountry wooded trails.

Stables in Fairmont Park

Just three miles from Bala Cynwyd in Fairmont Park, the Chamounix Equestrian Center (worktoride.net) boards horses and offers private or group riding lessons at all levels from April to November, as of publication. Children and adults can take lessons. Horsemanship lessons teach children how to care for horses as well as equine behavior. Chamounix runs summer camp equestrian programs, including polo lessons. Since 1994, disadvantaged youth have had the opportunity to enroll in the Work to Ride polo program run by Chamounix.

Also in Fairmont Park, Courtesy Stables (courtesystables.com) offers private, hourly lessons in either English or western-style riding. You also can board your horse at Courtesy, which has a capacity of 12 horses. You can enter Fairmont Park from the facility and ride on 56 miles of trails.

Northwestern Stables (northwesternstables.com) is in the Chestnut Hill section of Fairmount Park. Group riding lessons for adults and children over 8 are offered daily; areas of expertise range from novice to advanced. Northwestern Stables also offers summer camp with lessons on horsemanship for children from 8 to 16. You can board your horse at the stables as well and ride on some of the many trails in proximity to Northwestern Stables.

Typical Weather

Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania in

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The temperature in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania in January tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania in January is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania in January is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Countryside Riding

Ashford Farm (ashfordfarm.com), a little more than seven miles from Bala Cynwyd, offers private, semi-private and group riding lessons all year. In summer, lessons are limited to Saturdays and weekday evenings due to summer camp. The activities at summer camp, in addition to horsemanship and riding, include swimming and arts and crafts. Bus service is available from Bala Cynwyd for an additional fee.

Therapeutic Riding

Pegasus Riding Academy (pegasusridingacademy.com) in Philadelphia specializes in using horses as a therapy for disabled individuals of all ages. Private, semi-private or group lessons are offered six days a week, all year. Volunteerism is encouraged and extended to include those who have never worked around horses.

Resources

About the Author

Joe Murray began writing professionally in 1980. As a technical writer, he authored white papers and articles for Hewlett Packard and Intel. Since retiring, Murray has written several home-exchange travel articles for KnowYourTrade.com and CHECtravel,com among other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Santa Clara University.

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